A. Enhancing community participation on natural resources management in Mozambique.

The main aim of the following activities was to empower local communities in the sustainable utilisation of natural resources.

Activities

1. In in partnership with UNESCO (2005-2008), we designed basic modules for community awareness and training. We introduced new horticulture practices and chicken rearing on Inhaca Island, Maputo city. We also trained 25 tourist guides.

The programme was continued with the collaboration of LeadAfrika (2009-2010). Several short training courses were undertook involving 25 women from Machangulo Peninsula and 15 women from Inhaca Island.

We designed (2009) a reforestation project for Ngomela, East Coast of Inhaca Island, that was funded by the Goverment of Mozambique (2010). This is a partnership of Inhaca Marine Biology Research Station (Eduardo Mondlane University), local government and Maputo Municipality.

2. We also designed several projects for the communities (2010).These projects are not yet funded. The Zambezi University and the Centre for Sustainable Development of Coastal Zonese are looking for funding. The projects are:

2.1. Community participation in sustainable mangrove management in Sofala Province, Central Mozambique. This project is a partnership with Zambezi University ("UniZambeze") in Beira city. We are looking for local
community knowledge regarding the sustainable utilisation of mangroves.

2.2. Environmental impact of artisanal mining in central Mozambique. This project will be implemented in collaboration with "UniZambeze" in four provinces (Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia). We would like to find out how one could reduce pollution in rivers caused by panning minerals (e.g. gold) and gemstones in central Mozambique as the artisanal mining practice has been a serious national issue since 1994.

2.3. Long term ecological research in marine and coastal areas in Mozambique. This project is a parternship with the Centre for Sustainable Development of Coastal Zones, Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs (CDS-ZC/MICOA). The belief is that the local ecological knowledge is crucial for the advancement of science in Mozambique.

B. Darwin Now

We were also involved in Darwin Now celebrations linking Evolutionary Biology to Environmental and Biodiversity Protection. In collaboration with British Council, we delivered two public talks concerning Darwin Now
involving scientists, students and the general public.